After the emotions comes the questions. What stage is it? Can it be treated? Basically, in the back of my mind I was thinking, “Is there hope?” For some like my mother, there was hope for treatment and a cure. For others, there was hope for more time. Unfortunately for some, there was hope that strides in research will be made to improve the odds for others who battle their type of cancer in the future.

For those I love who are survivors, I still carry within me a trickle of fear that asks, “Will it come back?” For those I lost to cancer, I try to push aside the sorrow and anger and focus on memories.

• An uncle who dug up lilies from his garden to share with me.

• A kind man at church killing spiders I found in the hallway or bathroom.

• A thoughtful man inviting me to share our March birthdays by going out to lunch.

Relay for Life helps me hold on to hope and memories more than the fear and anger. Money raised supports cancer research, including research being conducted at Alabama universities; Hope Lodge that offers a place to stay during treatment; a tollfree American Cancer Society hotline available 24/7; and even transportation grants to Huntsville hospitals to help patients get to and from treatment.

I Relay because I do not want cancer to have the final say. I do not want cancer to take another loved one. That’s a sentiment shared by our City team. 

“I Relay for my dad! He was diagnosed with cancer in 1998 and has been through several extensive surgeries due to his cancer. He is cancer free now and he is a trooper!!! Even though he now has some issues to deal with from the cancer, he still approaches each day with a positive attitude and praises God for what he has done in his life. He is our HERO!!!!” - Cindy Pugh

“I Relay because I have always had a fear of cancer. It has affected so many family and friends. The one day I received the dreadful news that the C word had hit me. Now, being a part of Relay has a whole new meaning. I just wish and pray that one day there will be a cure, but until then, I will Relay.” - Kathy Cothren, breast cancer survivor

“I became a member of the City of Athens Relay for Life Team to help others in promoting cancer awareness and prevention. Many of us have either had cancer or have a family member who has. The battle is personal to me since I am an 11-year cancer survivor. Advancements in cancer treatment and prevention are certainly worth the efforts to fund research. I hope that cancer will be eradicated during my lifetime or during that of my children.” - Marcia Day, breast cancer survivor

“Why do I Relay? There are many reasons, and they all have names! I worked with eight women at our office (DHR) who were diagnosed with breast cancer. Three of them lost their lives as result of it. My grandmother was the first generation in our family to have breast cancer. My mother was the second generation to have breast cancer and died from uterine cancer, and I am the third generation to be diagnosed with breast cancer twice, once in 2005 and the second time in 2019. Both times my cancer was found as a result of a regularly scheduled mammogram. Ladies get your mammograms! I have other friends, one of which is on our Relay Team, to have breast cancer. Thankfully, she is doing great! We have lost several team members to cancer and other members who have lost spouses, children, sisters, brothers and husbands to some type of cancer. I worked with a girl that her young nephew died of cancer and a girl that her sister died of breast cancer. I have several dear friends who died of cancer, one of esophageal cancer, one of lung cancer and one of pancreatic cancer. I cannot begin to count the number of volunteers and community members who I worked with who were diagnosed with cancer. My sister has had a scare, and my brother has prostate cancer that thankfully is under control. So, when I am asked ‘Why do you Relay?’ I respond that I Relay for all these friends and family and others who may be diagnosed in the future. I Relay to spread the word about cancer, and I Relay to Fight, for Hope and for a Cure!” -

Jennifer C White, breast cancer survivor

“I Relay for my family and friends who have been touched by cancer, and I want to be a part of destroying it!!!!” - Kim Glaze

“I chose to be on the Athens Relay for Life Team because everyone on the team has been touched in some way or another by cancer. The projects we do for Athens and Limestone County help raise money for cancer research and awareness. I had a grandmother, mother and husband who all died from cancer. We are all working toward one goal, to defeat this terrible disease, and with your help and donations, I feel we can do this.” – Helen Greenhaw